Cover Letter Examples

Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip Code

Date

Name (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.)
Title
Organization
Street Address or PO Box #
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms________:

First Paragraph

State specifically why you are writing by identifying the position, field or general area of your inquiry. Tell how you heard of the opening or organization and the central reason why you would like to work for that organization (e.g. its mission or philosophy) and/or why you are well suited for this opportunity.

Body of letter (typically one or two paragraphs)

Elaborate on why you are particularly suited for THIS organization and THIS job by reviewing the job description, conducting online research, and specifically connecting the qualifications needed with your skills. Highlight your particularly relevant achievements. Elaborate on key points from your resume without repeating your resume word-for-word. This is not a paragraph version of your resume. Communicate clearly to the employer that you understand what is required of the position and the ways in which you have developed the skills the employer seeks.

Final Paragraph

Refer the employer to an enclosed resume and/or application form. Reiterate your interest in the specific position and restate the name of the organization. Request to meet with them to discuss this opportunity and your qualifications. Indicate how you can be contacted. If the position requires any level of “sales” skills (development, etc.) state that you will follow up (this demonstrates your comfort in doing this type of marketing outreach). But, if you state you will contact them, be sure to do so in the time you indicated! This is also the place that you include information that may be important but that you haven’t included elsewhere- for example if applying for a position out of town and you will be in the area at a certain time, if you will be out of the country and inaccessible for a period of time, etc. This is also where you include salary requirements, only if they request them.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature Here)

Your Name Typed

Enclosure (or Attachment if emailing)
555 W. 55th Street, #4D
New York, NY 10023
917-555-5555
Abc111@columbia.edu

March 21, 2007

Ms. Susan Smith
Children’s Hospital – Division of Adolescent Medicine
111 Main Street, 5th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46666

Dear Ms. Smith:

I am writing in response to the Post-Graduate Social Work Fellowship at Children’s Hospital that was advertised in Columbia University’s Job Listings. I am presently exploring career opportunities in clinical social work, particularly working with the issues associated with the health and mental health of adolescents and young adults. Throughout my graduate school education, I have gained experience working with adolescents and young adults dealing with a variety of health and mental health concerns, such as chronic mental illness, teenage pregnancy, physical and sexual abuse, and eating disorders. These varied experiences have furthered my interests in gaining greater knowledge and training with this population.

Of particular relevance, with respect to my qualifications for the Post-Graduate Fellowship position, is my work at Harlem Mental Health Center’s Adult Outpatient Department, where I provide intake assessments and long-term treatment for individuals with mental illness. I have gained the knowledge and clinical experience essential for working with culturally diverse populations with varying types and severities of mental illness, as well as effectively functioning on a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. Additionally, my experiences working at Queens Community Center have enhanced my desire to work with adolescents and young adults and furthered my interest in women’s health, such as eating disorders and reproductive health issues.

I am able to forge excellent working relationships and collaborate with other staff and community agencies to assist clients in meeting their treatment and life goals and am committed to working creatively and collaboratively with clients. I believe that with my educational and professional experiences, as well as my motivation, enthusiasm, empathy and compassion for others, I could be a valuable and productive member of your team.

I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome and appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this position further. I may be reached at (917) 555-5555 or at abc1111@columbia.edu. Thank you in advance for your time and I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Jody Jobseeker

Attachment
222 River Road
New York, NY 10027

May 15, 2007

Susan Smith
Human Resources Manager
Social Service Agency, Inc.
111 Main Street, Room 11
Somewhere, NY 11111

Dear Ms. Smith:

Please accept my resume for the Research Associate position available in the Higher Education Policy Research Center at Silver Springs University. I am currently completing my doctoral program in higher education at Teachers College, Columbia University and am extremely interested in moving into a research setting.

I feel strongly that my previous professional experiences working in academia and my recent dissertation research have adequately prepared me to perform successfully in this position. While I have spent the majority of my professional career working with students directly, I have shifted my focus to policy-making and the impact of higher education policy on the college student experience. I also am competent in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature Here]

Jody Jobseeker
111 River Road, Apartment 111
Brooklyn, NY 11111

June 8, 2007

Ms. Christina Huang, Director
Recruitment and Staffing
The Mount Olive Medical Center
One High Terrace
New York, NY 10055

Dear Ms. Huang:

I am interested in the MICA Day Treatment Program and the Inpatient Gero-Psych positions advertised in The New York Times on June 6, 2007. Having spent the first ten years of my life in Uruguay, South America, I am bilingual and bicultural. Furthermore, I completed my first year graduate school internship providing long-term psychotherapy to Latino clients at Oscar Arias Family Guidance Center. These experiences, my graduate education, and my clinical skills would enable me to excel as part of your therapeutic team.

Of particular relevance to the MICA position, is my rotation (part of my second year placement) at New York Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Room where I assessed patients’ drug abuse histories and their willingness to enter rehabilitation if substance abuse was a problem. Prior to this, as an undergraduate, I
completed an entire summer workshop on alcoholism sponsored by The Famous Foundation. Moreover, as an undergraduate research assistant at Babies Hospital Columbia Presbyterian, I interviewed pregnant women to identify addictive behavior patterns.

As to my qualifications for the Inpatient Gero-Psych position, please note my rotation at the New York Hospital’s Fracture Service, again part of my second year’s Rotating Placement. There I gained invaluable experience with elderly patients. In undergraduate school, I interned eight months with Alzheimer’ s patients at the International Center for the Disabled. I particularly enjoyed this client population.

Given that the enclosed resume cannot fully communicate my qualifications, I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your needs and my abilities to fulfill them. I can be contacted at 212-555-5555 or abc1111@columbia.edu. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature Here)

Jody Jobseeker

Enclosure
111 Main Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Abc0000@columbia.edu

February 14, 2007

Ms. Kris Stackman
Executive Director
Forum at the Crossing
555 Woodside
Chicago, IL 60666

Dear Ms. Stackman:

Susan Alcott, Superintendent of the League for the Protection of Immigrants and a resident
of the Forum, recommended I submit my resume in regards to the Development Director position with the Forum at the Crossing. With my graduate education from the Columbia University School of Social Work, proven abilities to motivate staff, and extensive fundraising experience, I am confident in my abilities to excel as Director of Development.

I believe Ms. Abbott has already spoken to you about my speech writing and fundraising skills. My five-year community service background also includes program development experience in providing health, education, and psychological services for immigrants and women entering the work force at an organization called Immigrants First. In addition to providing these vital social services, I supervised junior staff, interns, and volunteers, and successfully designed and implemented several projects which increased funding by 45% over a two-year period.

Given my skills and our areas of mutual interest, I believe I could be of enormous assistance
to you in the growth and expansion of the Forum. The details of my background appear in the enclosed resume. I will contact you next week for an appointment to further discuss ways I can contribute to your development initiatives. I can also be contacted at your convenience at 212-555-5555. I look forward to meeting with you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,

(Your Signature Here)

Jody Jobseeker

cc: G. Abbott

Enclosure

Jody Jobseeker

111 Broadway, New York, NY 10022
(212)-555-5555
abc1111@columbia.edu

May 1, 2007

Human Resources Manager
Visiting Nurse Services of New York
111 W 110th Street
New York, NY 10011

Dear Human Resources Manager:

I have enclosed my resume in regarding to the Nurse Recruiter position posted on Idealist.org. In May of this year, I will be graduating from Columbia University School of Social Work with a Master of Science degree with a concentration in Social Enterprise Administration. As a Social Enterprise Administration student, I have taken courses in Human Resource Management, Supervision and Staff Development. This knowledge coupled with my professional recruiting experience would enable me to excel as part of your recruiting team.

Throughout my graduate studies and professional career, I have advertised, marketed and recruited for social services programs. In previous positions, I collaborated with school administration and assigned liaison(s) to recruit participation and marketed an employment program to develop jobs for youth in both public agencies and non-profit organizations for New York City. I have also developed marketing materials and presented the Addiction Prevention Initiative to education, healthcare, housing, legal institutions and community residents in order to both recruit clients and foster/develop resources for the program. More recently, during my leadership of a healthy living committee, comprised of managers, I recruited workshop facilitators and developed marketing materials to promote Healthy Living Week to over 300 consumers. I am committed to improving the healthcare services available to families, youth, and children and believe that accomplishing this goal depends on developing a strong and compassionate healthcare workforce.

I am eager to contribute to your mission of connecting top quality providers to clients in need and am confident in my abilities to identify and recruit strong candidates for your nursing staff. I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss the position and how my experiences and educational achievements could benefit your organization. I can be contacted at 212-555-5555 or acb1111@columbia.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jody Jobseeker

Attachment
555 West 55th Street, #5W
New York, NY 10055
(212)555-5555
Abc555@columbia.edu

June 17, 2007

Ms. Barbra Streis, Director
Stellar Social Services of New York City
123 Broadway, Room 123
New York, NY 10011

Dear Ms. Blige:

I am writing to apply for the position of Social Worker that appeared on www.citylimits.org. In May of this year, I was awarded the Master of Science degree from Columbia University School of Social Work, and have my LMSW in New York State. My education, experience working with youth, and interest uniquely qualify me for this position.

Throughout my graduate studies and even pre-professionally, I worked with children and families in school-based settings. I have provided counseling to special education students with emotional disturbances, both individually and in groups. Some of my clients were mandated, so I am accustomed to working with students reluctant to face challenging issues such as HIV or AIDS. My prevention efforts addressed social and educational high-risk behaviors and included outreach to students, parents, and teachers.

I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon and meeting with you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Jody Jobseeker, LMSW

Attachment